Fabricate custom c-seals for VMS instrument

Statement of Work (SOW)

This Statement of Work (SOW) details the requirements for manufacturing custom c-rings for NASA's DAVINCI mission to Venus, specifically for the Venus Mass Spectrometer (VMS) instrument. The VMS requires specialized all-metal hermetic seals (C-seals) for its Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (QMS) and gas processing system (GPS) assemblies.

• Manufacture specific c-rings according to custom numbers and production requirements.

• The c-rings are intended for various interfaces within the VMS instrument, including the QMS Ion Source Cover, Detector Flange, HCV to QMS, HCV to Getter, QMS Getter, Upper Seal, Microvalve & Puncture Valve, Lower Seal, Microvalve & Puncture Valve, HCV Adapter to WRP, and Pinch-Off Flanges.

• C-rings must meet stringent quality and performance specifications similar to those used in prior GSFC mass spectrometer developments.

• Specific requirements include: Class 1 Processing, high-quality process, leakage rate testing, and non-destructive testing. Cleanliness and leak rate are paramount.

• Leak rate requirement: Not Greater Than 1X10-10 cc/std He.

• Visual inspection for contamination and scratches under specific magnification.

• Uniform coating with no gold nodules.

• Adherence to IEST-STD-CC1246 A for cleaning and handling.

• Use of commercial dry nitrogen (99.99% purity) with a 0.5 micron particle filter for cleaning.

• Each seal to be placed in its own Ultra Low Outgassing (ULO) Polyethylene Bag, vacuum sealed, and then placed in a common bag.

• Serialization of each seal with company name, lot number, part number, and manufacturing date.

• Delivery: 22-27 weeks ARO (After Receipt of Order).

• Place of Performance: Parker Facility in USA (CT).

• Parker personnel must handle c-rings with nitrile gloves, minimizing exposure.

• Post inspection and leak testing, a Third Party company will clean and bag seals in a cleanroom using compatible nitrile gloves.

• Test a certain number of seals for leak rate (3 min or 10%, whichever is higher) after plating.

• Parker leak-check procedure will be sent to Goddard.

• All requested units, material certificates, and pertinent test reports/data must be delivered to Marco Castillo GSFC by the end of the period of performance.

• Parts can be shipped to: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771.

• Government-Furnished Equipment and Information: None.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This notice indicates NASA/NSSC's intent to issue a sole source contract to DBR INDUSTRIES, INC. for the fabrication of custom c-seals for VMS instruments. This procurement is being conducted under the authority of FAR 12.102(a), as DBR INDUSTRIES, INC. has been determined to be the sole provider. The performance location will be NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The Government intends to acquire commercial items using FAR Part 12 provisions.

• Fabrication of custom c-seals for VMS instruments.

• The contract will be sole source to DBR INDUSTRIES, INC.

• NAICS Code: 334516

• Interested organizations can submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing to the identified point of contact.

• Submission Deadline: Not later than 7:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on 6/17/2026.

• Capabilities will be evaluated solely to determine if the procurement should be conducted on a competitive basis. The Government reserves the right to not compete the effort based on these responses.

• Oral communications are not acceptable.

• This is intended as a sole source procurement.

• NASA FAR Supplement Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman contact information can be found at the provided link.

Recommendation and Determination to Solicit from One Source or Brand Name

This document recommends negotiating with a single source or brand name for the acquisition of specific "C-Rings" due to their unique characteristics and limited availability from other vendors. The primary objective is to procure custom C-Rings for flight assembly and spares.

The document specifies the need for the following custom C-Rings:

• QMS Ion Source Cover (Qty: 10)

• Detector Flange (Qty: 10)

• HCV to QMS, HCV to Getter, QMS Getter (Qty: 40)

• Upper Seal, Microvalve & Puncture Valve (Qty: 154)

• Lower Seal, Microvalve & Puncture Valve (Qty: 154)

• HCV Adapter to WRP (Qty: 10)

• Pinch-Off Flanges (Qty: 20)

• The recommended vendor is DBR Industries for Parker Custom C-Rings.

• The estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is 20-27 weeks ARO (After Receipt of Order), depending on the specific C-Ring.

• The document does not explicitly state the total estimated cost or contract type.

This document is a justification for a sole-source or brand-name acquisition, not a solicitation for proposals. It outlines the reasons why competition is deemed impractical.

This is a sole-source/brand-name justification, indicating no set-aside is applicable.

• The justification for sole-sourcing is based on the unique characteristics of the items and market research indicating limited availability.
• The Goddard Team experienced significant delays (over 6 months) in sourcing similar critical metal seals from other vendors (e.g., Eaton) due to post-COVID issues and extended lead times.
• Parker is identified as the company that provides seals meeting the required leak rates, and they have been worked with on seal cleanliness.
• The decision to go with a "known" vendor is critical due to decreased schedule requirements.
• The document references "Parker Custom P/N" for each item, indicating a specific manufacturer's part number is required.